Frame for hand luggage or the like



United States Patent Oflice 2,714,945 Patented Au 9, 1955 2,714,945 FRAME FOR HAND LUGGAGE OR THE LIKE Sol Koifler, West Warwick, R. I. Application November 17, 1953, Serial No. 392,583 6 Claims. (Cl. 190-418) This invention relates in general to a frame structure adapted for use in connection with hand luggage and the like. More specifically, the invention has to do with a frame structure which consists of strip members adapted for cooperation with each other in such a way that the sections of the luggage or case, when closed, will present a neat appearance and will have an excellent seal therebetween.

Luggage pieces such as suitcases are customarily provided with two sections which are separable so that articles may be placed within or removed from the case or container. Sometimes the two sections of the case are hinged together either by a permanent hinge or one which may be separated to completely remove one section from the other. Heretofore, the abutting edges of the two sections have been constructed so that one over lies the other or the one abuts directly against the other. In such cases, a very unsatisfactory seal between the two sections results and it occasionally happens that the edges may become frayed or cracked so that an unpleasant appearance will result.

It is the principal object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a frame member for cases such as hand luggage and the like which is designed to overcome the foregoing disadvantages and which is simple to apply and economical to manufacture, whereby there will be presented a neatly appearing strip at the juncture of the two sections.

Another object of the invention is to provide a frame structure for hand luggage or the like which, in its preferred form, includes two inter-engaging members, one extending around each section of the case, whereby the adjoining abutting edges will be tightly sealed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a frame structure for hand luggage or the like, wherein a strip of a suitable material is positioned around the inner edge of one section of the luggage and is adapted to cooperate with a similarly positioned strip on the other section, thereby to produce a neat appearing seal between the sections when in closed position.

A still further and more specific object of the invention is to provide a frame structure for luggage or the like which consists of two strips of a suitable material, and wherein one strip is provided with a continuous recess and positioned on one section of the luggage in such a way that the recess therein may receive the strip on the opposite section of the luggage thereby providing a seal when the luggage is in closed position.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a perspective view of hand luggage piece embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of hand luggage piece of Figure 1 illustrated in open position;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view through the hand luggage taken along the plane of line 3 3 of Figure 1; and

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the plane of line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Briefly described, the invention involves a frame structure for hand luggage such as suitcases and other cases suitable for carrying articles which involves the use of one or more strips of a suitable material wherein one of the strips is applied around the edge of one section of the case and if a second strip is to be used, it is placed around the corresponding edge of the other section of the case. The first strip is preferably formed in such a way that there is provided a continuous channel or recess therein which is adapted to receive the corresponding edge of the opposite section of the case when the two sections are in closed position. Depending upon the substance out of which the case is constructed, it may be desirable to reinforce the edge of the second section with a strip of similar material so that in the preferred form of the invention, the frame structure will include both strips wherein the strip on the second section is received within the channel or recess of the first section, thereby providing an effective seal when the case is in closed position. The structure embodying the present invention has the further advantage that the inter-engagement of the two frame members will insure proper relationship between the two sections when they are closed and are together.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing and especially to Figure 1, there is illustrated therein a form of case 1 which may be identified as a piece of hand luggage. This case is provided with the two sections 2 and 3 hingedly connected together by means of a suitable type of hinge indicated by the numeral 4.

As stated hereinabove, the invention may be applied to any type of suitable case for carrying articles whether it be hand luggage or other specific forms of cases and whether of the type where the two sections are hinged together or may be completely separated from each other. In the present instance, the illustration shows a piece of luggage which may be provided with the locking members 5 and a handle 6 by means of which the case may be carried.

One of the strips which forms a part of the present invention is indicated by the numeral 7 and is so formed that it may easily be applied to the edge of one of the sections of the case. For purposes of illustration, the strip 7 is shown as being applied to the section 3 of the case.

The other strip, which may be utilized in conjunction with the strip 7, may be applied to the section 2 of the case and is indicated generally by the numeral 8.

The strip 7 is formed preferably of a material which has suflicient hardness to withstand long use. For example, it may be formed of a suitable type of steel capable of being bent to the form shown or it may be formed of aluminum or a hard plastic and extruded so that the cross-sectional configuration thereof will be substantially like that shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The strip 7 consists of a relatively wide flange portion 9 which is adapted to abut the inner face of one of the sections of the case and extend outwardly to the edge thereof. The flange may then be bent outwardly in a direction away from the section face as shown at 10 and again outwardly in a direction substantially parallel with the section face as shown at 11. The strip is then returned bent upon itself as at 12 and thereafter again bent to form an outwardly or upwardly directed J-shaped channel or recess having a bottom 13 and an outwardly extending longer side 14 parallel to the shorter side 11-12. The strip is then again returned bent upon itself as at 15 to form the exposed portion thereof and may, if desired, be thereafter folded under as at 16 to provide a portion which overlies the outer face of the section to which the strip is secured.

The shorter side 11-12 of the J-shaped channel is the inner side with respect to the sections 2 and 3 of the case 1, while the longer side 14 is the outer side. A

second reverse, or inwardly or downwardly directed J- shaped channel is also thus formed in the strip 7, being composed of the bottom 13, the outer shorter side 16, and the inner longer side 9, and this channel is adapted to receive and be secured to the edge 17 of the section 3.

The strip may be mounted onto the edge portion of the section of the case by any suitable means such as an adhesive or by riveting wherein the fastening means cooperate with the inner flange 9 and the outer flange 16. The channel formed by the sides 12 and 14 and the base 13 is substantially an extension of the edge 17 of the section but is wider than the thickness of the section. This will enable the case to be manufactured of a material which may be relatively thin and yet will provide a sufficiently wide recess within which the edge of the opposite section may be received.

The strip 7 may, if desired, be extruded in which case the general cross-section would be similar to that shown as far as the inner and outer flanges are concerned and as far as the channel or recess is concerned, the only difference being that there would be no bending operations involved in the formation thereof.

The other strip adapted to cooperate with the strip 7, and which is indicated by numeral 8, may consist primarily of a lon er flange member 18 which is adapted to abut the inner face of the opposite section of the case and which is bent angularly as at 19 to cover the outer edge of the section and which then terminates in a shorter flange 20 abutting the outer face of the section. If desired, there may be formed a laterally outwardly extending peripheral rib 21 intermediate the inner and outer edges of the flange 18 for strengthening the flange against bending stresses, which is thin or narrow relative to the flange. This cooperating channel strip 8 may also be formed of an extruded material such as aluminum or a hard plastic if desired instead of being formed by a stamping or bending operation as illustrated.

The other strip 8 as thus formed is channel-shaped in cross-section, and more specifically, it is J-shaped with the channel inwardly or downwardly directed when assembled on the section 2 and adapted to receive and be secured to the edge of the section. The longer side 18 of the J-shaped strip is the inner side with respect to the sections 2 and 3 of the case, and the shorter side 20 is the outer side.

Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which the strip 7 extends completely around the inner edge of the section 3 of the case as well as the manner in which the strip 8 extends completely around the inner edge of the section 2 of the case. Figure 3 illustrates the manner in which these two strips cooperate when the case is in closed position. In this figure it will be noted that the portion 19 of strip 8 is received within the channel or recess of the strip 7 and will bear against the base 13 of the recess. Since both strips are formed of a hard or stiff material, the two sections of the case will be maintained in their proper relationship when in closed position. It will also be evident that the reception of one strip within the channel or recess of the other strip will result in an effective seal between the two sections when in closed position.

It will be noted on reference to Figures 2 and 4 that the portions of the strips 7 and 8 where the case sections 2 and 3 are hingedly connected, come together at a sharp angle when the case is being closed. The above-described J-shaped channel construction having the inner shorter side 1 112 serves to prevent interference with the other strip 8, allowing the latter to clear the inner side, on closing the case, as well as permitting separation of the strips without distortion on opening the case, while providing a close fit and seal when the strips are in abutting or closed relation. At the same time, the longer outer side 14 of the outwardly directed channel serves as a guide for the strip 8 on the other section, locating it for proper entry into the channel in advance of its contact with the shorter side 11-12, on closing the case.

it will be evident also that the strip 8 is not necessary as a part of the present invention since the edge of the section to which the strip 8 is applied may be left free to be received directly within the channel portion of the strip 7. However, since the strip 8 will lend rigidity to the section to which it is applied, it is considered advantageous that both strips be utilized in carrying out the invention.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that a novel form of frame structure adapted for use in connection with hand luggage and other cases suitable for carrying articles has been devised which has one distinct advantage in that it may be easily and quickly applied in its proper position on the case itself.

Another advantage arises from the fact that the strips will impart rigidity to the sections to which they are afiixed. The portion 15 of the strip 7 is the only part of either frame member which is exposed to view at all times and thereby will present a neat appearance to the case. Thus, the outer shorter flange or side 20 of the J-shaped strip 8 is adapted wholly to be received by the outwardly directed J-shaped channel formed by the bottom 13, longer side 14 and shorter side 11-12 in the double-J strip 7. The channel is adapted to receive the other strip 8 with the edges of the case sections 2 and 3 in abutting relation and with the longer side 14 of the channel covering the shorter side 20 of the strip 8 substantially completely.

Still further, the cooperation of the two strips by means of their inter-engagement will form an eflfective seal between the sections.

Changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of parts from those disclosed herein without in any way departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of the attendant advantages thereof, provided, however, that such changes fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. In combination with a two-section case or the like wherein the sections are hingedly connected for closure with their edges in abutting relation, a continuous channel strip of rigid material secured to the edge of one of said sections with the edge received in the channel of the strip, and a second continuous strip of rigid material secured to the edge of the second of said sections and having a J-shaped channel formed therein where said sections are hingedly connected, said second strip being constructed to receive said channel strip in close engagement in said J-shaped channel with the bases of the respective channels in abutting relation, said second strip also being secured to the edge of said second section with the shorter side as the innermost side of said J-shaped channel with respect to said case, whereby entrance of said channel strip into the channel of said second strip on closing said case is facilitated.

2. In combination with a two section case or the like wherein the sections are hingedly connected for closure with their edges in abutting relation, a continuous channel strip of rigid material secured to the edge of one of said sections and including a coextensive flat base portion covering said edge and coextensive adjoining flange portions abutting the inner and outer faces respectively of the section, the flange portion abutting the inner face being relatively wide with respect to the flange portion abutting the outer face, and a second continuous strip of rigid material secured to the edge of the second of said sections, said second strip including a coextensive flat base portion covering the latter edge and coextensive outwardly .extending flange portions adjoining the opposite edges of the latter base portion and forming a channel therewith for receiving said channel strip in close engagement with the said base portions of the respective strips in abutting relation, one of said last-named flange portions corresponding to the inside of said case extending outwardly for a lesser distance than the other where said sections are hingedly connected, whereby entrance of said channel strip into the channel of said second strip on closing said case is facilitated, said second strip also including coextensive inwardly extending flange portion; integral with said last-named flange portions and abutting the inner and outer faces respectively of said second section, the flange portion abutting the latter inner face being relatively wide with respect to the flange portion abutting the latter outer face.

3. The combination with a hand luggage case or the like having two sections adapted to be brought into abutting relation at their edges, of a frame structure comprising a rigid strip positioned around the edge of one of said sections, a flange on said strip abutting the inner face of said one section and secured thereto, a second flange on said strip abutting the outer face of said one section and providing an exposed band around the case, a base portion on said strip covering said edge and joining said flanges and forming an outwardly opening channel therewith, a second rigid strip covering the edge of the second of said sections and adapted to be received in said channel in said first-named strip when the two sections are in closed abutting relation, 2. base portion on said second strip covering said edge of said second section and adapted to abut on said base portion on said first strip when said second strip is received in said channel in the first strip, and a flange on said second strip adjoining said base portion thereof and abutting the outer face of said second section and providing a band around the section, said flange on said second strip being substantially completely covered by said second flange on said first strip when the two sections are in closed abutting relation and said second strip is received in said channel in said first strip, thereby providing an exposed band of said second flange on said first strip around the case and a concealed band of said second strip flange around the case.

4. The combination with a hand luggage case or the like having two sections adapted to be brought into abutting relation at their edges, of a frame structure comprising a rigid strip positioned around the edge of one of said sections and completely around the section, a flange on said strip abutting the inner face of said one section and secured thereto, a second flange on said strip abu." ting the outer face of said one section and providing an exposed band around the case, a base portion on said strip covering said edge and joining said flanges and forming an outwardly opening channel therewith, a second rigid strip positioned around the edge of the second of said sections and completely around the section and being adapted to be received in said channel in said first-named strip when the two sections are in closed abutting relation, a base portion on said second strip covering said edge of said second section and adapted to abut on said base portion on said first strip when said second strip is received in said channel in the first strip, a flange on said second strip adjoining said base portion thereof and abutting the inner face of said second section, and a second flange on said second strip adjoining said base portion thereof and abutting the outer face of said second section and providing a band around the section, said second flange on said second strip being substantially completely covered by said second flange on said first strip when the two sections are in closed abu ting relation and said second strip is received in said channel in said first strip, thereby providing an exposed band of said second flange on said first strip around the case and a concealed band of said second flange on said second strip around the case.

5. The combination with a hand luggage case or the like having two sections adapted to be brought into abutting relation at their edges, of a frame structure comprising a rigid strip positioned around the edge of one of said sections and completely around the section,

a flange on said strip abutting the inner face of said one section and secured thereto, a second flange on said strip abutting the outer face of said one section and providing an exposed band around the case, a base portion on said strip covering said edge and joining said flanges and forming an outwardly opening channel therewith, a second rigid strip positioned around the edge of the second of said sections and completely around the section and being adapted to be received in said channel in said firstnamed strip when the two sections are in closed abutting relation, a base portion on said second strip covering said edge of said second section and adapted to abut on said base portion on said first strip when said second strip is received in said channel in the first strip, a flange on said second strip adjoining said base portion thereof and abutting the inner face of said second section, a laterally outwardly extending peripheral rib on said flange on said second strip, and a second flange on said second strip adjoining said base portion thereof and abutting the outer face of said second section and providing a band around the section, said second flange on said second strip being substantially completely covered by said second flange on said first strip when the two sections are in closed abutting relation and said second strip is received in said channel in said first strip, thereby pro viding an exposed band of said second flange on said first strip around the case and a concealed band of said second flange on said second strip around the case.

6. The combination with a hand luggage case or the like having two hingedly connected sec-tions adapted to be brought into abutting relation at their edges, of a frame structure comprising a rigid strip positioned around the edge of one of said sections, an outwardly extending flange on said strip abutting the inner face of said one section and secured thereto, a second outwardly extending flange on said strip abutting the outer face of said one section and providing an exposed band around the case, a base portion on said strip covering said edge and joining said flanges and forming an outwardly opening channel therewith, a second rigid strip covering the edge of the second of said sections and adapted to be received in said channel in said first-named strip when the two sections are in closed abutting relation, a base portion on said second strip covering said edge of said second section and adapted to abut on said base portion on said first strip when said second strip is received in said channel in the first strip, a flange on said second strip adjoining said base portion thereof and abutting the inner face of said second section, and. a second flange on said second strip adjoining said base portion thereof and abutting the outer face of said second section and providing a band around the section, said second flange on said second strip being substantially completely covered by said second flange on said first strip when the two sections are in closed abutting relation and said second strip is received in said channel in said first strip, thereby providing an exposed band of said second flange on said first strip around the case and a concealed band of said second flange on said second strip around the case, said first-named flange on said first strip extending outwardly for a lesser distance than said second flange on the first strip where said sections are hingedly connected, whereby entrance of said second strip into the channel of said first strip on closing said case is facilitated.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 10,334 Cantel Dec. 20, 1853 909,630 Marstaller Jan. 12, 1909 1,042,081 Camp Oct. 22, 1912 1,544,753 Higgins July 7, 1925 1,681,365 Ritter Aug. 21, 1928 1,772,981 Berger-Stalder Aug. 12, 1930 1,811,718 Hofbauer June 23, 1931 2,604,961 Koch July 29, 1952 

